Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.20.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Aug. 12, 2020
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name Pacific Ethanol, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0000778164  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2020  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Reporting Status Current Yes  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   56,985,217
Entity File Number 000-21467  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE